Free Rides: Celebrate Denver’s New Longest Bike Lane

I know some of you are Spandex-wearing warriors. You easily laden yourself with whatever you need for the day and tear down Denver’s streets faster than most of the traffic-jammed cars. I, on the other hand, have been learning slowly how to bike more comfortably in the city.

Still, I tremble when a car comes up behind me. I am unsteady when pushing off at intersections—almost always when I think people are watching. I have dorky bike clothes that I bought on sale, and I am thrown off balance if my laptop bag is too full.

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The one thing helping to keep me on task (and in my seat) is the merciful and spacious bike lane. Here, I am comfortable and can ride next to cars without shaking. Every time a friend recommends a new bike route and adds, “and there’s a bike lane,” I try it out.

Which is to say I’m very much looking forward to the festivities surrounding the opening of a new bike lane—Denver’s longest—on Martin Luther King Boulevard on Friday.

Friday features an 8 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony and a Commuter Ride from Stapleton’s Founder’s Green to Curtis Park. (Arrive closer to 7:45 a.m. to sign a waiver form if you’re riding.)

If you can’t make it Friday, stop by the Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center Saturday morning for a 10 a.m. ride. Denver Police Bike Patrol and other community bike groups will be on hand to help with both rides.